Halloween has it’s roots in “All Hallow’s Day”, which is November 1st. “All Hallow’s Eve” became associated with a time to venerate the dead. Many older pagan celebrations, especially the Gaelic Samhain, used this time of the year to celebrate Autumn as the days grow darker, coming as it does in between the autumn equinox (September 22nd or 23rd) and the winter solstice (December 21st or 22nd).
Though Halloween began with religious roots, like many things in the U.S., it has since become a more secular holiday celebrated by many people of different beliefs. The traditions of Halloween include “trick or treating” (dressing up as a monster or different character to come to someone’s door and ask for candy), and the carving of Jack O’Lanterns (pumpkins carved with scary faces on them.) Learn how to carve your own Jack O’Lantern!
The Mexican celebration of the “Day of the Dead” occurs a few days after Halloween on November 2nd, and serves a similar purpose of venerating the dead.
Haunted houses, costume parties, and many more activities are a part of the Halloween season. Please do not be scared by seeing people dressed in strange costumes on the street! (More than usual, at least.) And on October 31st, be aware, you might have some children knocking at your door for candy!
